Why Is My Rhubarb Flowering? Understanding Rhubarb’s Reproductive Process

Why Is My Rhubarb Flowering?

Rhubarb can flower due to a variety of factors including the wastage of resources on producing flowers, fruit, and seeds.

Some rhubarb plants are more prone to flowering than others, with old-fashioned varieties being heavy seed stalk producers.

Factors such as plant maturity, stress, and insufficient fertilizer can also contribute to bolting.

Dividing the crowns every 4-5 years and removing flowering stalks can help prevent flowering and promote foliage production.

Flowering does not make the leaf stalks poisonous, but the leafy blade portion is always poisonous due to a high level of oxalic acid.

Key Points:

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  • Rhubarb can flower due to wastage of resources on producing flowers, fruit, and seeds.
  • Some rhubarb plants, especially old-fashioned varieties, are more prone to flowering.
  • Factors such as plant maturity, stress, and insufficient fertilizer can contribute to bolting.
  • Preventive measures like dividing the crowns and removing flowering stalks can help prevent flowering and promote foliage production.
  • Flowering does not make the leaf stalks poisonous.
  • The leafy blade portion of rhubarb is always poisonous due to a high level of oxalic acid.

Did You Know?

1. Rhubarb is a vegetable, but it is often mistaken as a fruit because of its tart flavor and its culinary use in sweet dishes like pies and jams.

2. Flowering rhubarb is typically a sign that the plant is undergoing stress, such as extreme temperature fluctuations or lack of nutrients. It is best to remove the flower stalks to ensure optimal growth of the rhubarb leaves.

3. The name “rhubarb” actually originates from the Latin term “rheum barbarum,” which translates to “foreign rhubarb.” This was because rhubarb was initially imported to Europe from China and the Middle East.

4. Rhubarb leaves are poisonous due to their high oxalic acid content. Ingesting a significant amount of the leaves can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and kidney damage. However, the stalks are safe to eat and contain beneficial nutrients.

5. Rhubarb has a long history of medicinal use. In ancient Chinese medicine, rhubarb was used as a laxative and to treat ailments such as digestive disorders and skin conditions. Its therapeutic properties led to its introduction to Europe as a medicinal plant in the 16th century.

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Rhubarb Bolting: An Unwanted Phenomenon

Bolting is a common occurrence in plants, including rhubarb, where they unexpectedly start flowering. This phenomenon can be quite frustrating for gardeners who want to focus on the growth of the leafy stalks. Understanding why rhubarb bolts and how to prevent it can help minimize its impact.

When rhubarb plants bolt, they shift their focus from leafy growth to the production of flowers, fruits, and seeds. This redirection of resources can hinder the development of the desirable stalks, affecting both the quantity and quality of the harvest.

To prevent rhubarb from bolting, it is important to take certain measures:

  • Choose the right variety: Selecting a rhubarb variety known for its resistance to bolting can be beneficial. Varieties like ‘Victoria’ and ‘Canada Red’ are less prone to bolting compared to others.

  • Proper spacing: Providing adequate spacing between rhubarb plants allows for better air circulation and reduces competition for resources. Aim for a spacing of around 3 feet between plants.

  • Regular division: Divide rhubarb plants every 4-5 years to maintain their vigor. Overcrowded plants are more prone to bolting.

  • Optimal nutrition: Ensure that rhubarb plants receive sufficient nutrients, especially nitrogen. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers or well-rotted manure can be applied in early spring to promote healthy foliage growth.

  • Timely harvest: Harvest rhubarb stalks promptly when they reach a desirable size. This prevents energy from being redirected towards flowering and promotes continued stalk production.

By following these preventive measures, gardeners can minimize the occurrence of bolting in rhubarb plants and enjoy an abundant and high-quality harvest.

Wasteful Resources: Flowers, Fruit, And Seeds

Rhubarb plants are primarily cultivated for their large and lush foliage. However, when the plants bolt, they shift their energy towards reproductive processes, including the production of flowers, fruits, and seeds. While these traits may be desirable in other plants, they are considered wasteful and unwanted in the case of rhubarb.

Flowering and the subsequent development of fruits and seeds deplete the plant’s resources that could have been used for the growth of the stalks. As a result, the stalks become thinner and less robust, which significantly diminishes the overall quality and yield of the rhubarb crop.

Undesirable Offspring: Rhubarb Seedlings

Bolting in rhubarb not only wastes resources, but it also leads to the emergence of less desirable seedlings. Rhubarb plants are usually propagated through division or transplants, as offspring produced from seeds can be unpredictable. This unpredictability can result in significant variations in characteristics compared to the parent plant.

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Depending on seedlings for propagation can introduce numerous undesirable traits, such as weaker growth, variable taste, or undesirable appearances. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent rhubarb plants from bolting in order to maintain the consistency and quality of the crop.

Prone To Flowering: Variability Among Rhubarb Plants

While all rhubarb plants have the potential to bolt, some varieties are more prone to flowering than others. Old-fashioned varieties, such as Victoria and MacDonald, are notorious for their heavy seed stalk production. These varieties have been grown for generations and have retained their natural inclination for reproductive processes.

On the other hand, newer cultivars such as Canada Red and Valentine have been bred to exhibit decreased bolting tendencies. These modern varieties focus more on the development of robust leafy stalks rather than diverting energy towards flowering. Gardeners interested in preventing bolting should consider planting these varieties to ensure a more productive and reliable harvest.

Old-fashioned varieties: Victoria and MacDonald
Newer cultivars: Canada Red and Valentine

Managing Bolting: Techniques For Preventing And Rejuvenating

To manage bolting in rhubarb plants, several techniques can be employed. Firstly, plant maturity plays a role in the likelihood of bolting. More mature plants are more prone to this phenomenon. Regularly dividing the crowns every 4-5 years can help rejuvenate the planting, ensuring that the plants are in their prime productivity stage.

Applying moderate amounts of fertilizer each spring can also discourage bolting. By providing the plants with ample nutrients, they are encouraged to focus their energy on foliage growth rather than reproductive processes. Additionally, monitoring and managing plant stress is essential. High temperatures and drought can promote bolting, so ensuring adequate water and shade during hot periods is crucial to preventing this unwanted occurrence.

If bolting does occur, removing the flowering stalks as soon as they appear can encourage the plant to redirect its energy towards foliage production. Be sure to cut the stalks at the base to prevent any potential seed development.

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understanding why rhubarb plants bolt and implementing preventative measures is crucial for maintaining the quality and consistency of the crop. By recognizing the wastefulness of resources utilized in flowering, the undesirability of offspring produced from seeds, and variability among different rhubarb varieties, gardeners can effectively manage bolting. Employing techniques such as rejuvenating through crown division and providing adequate nutrients and water can significantly reduce the occurrence of bolting in rhubarb plants, resulting in a more bountiful and satisfying harvest.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I cut the flower off my rhubarb?

Yes, it is recommended to cut the flower off your rhubarb. As rhubarb is primarily cultivated for its stems, removing the flowers enables the plant to concentrate its resources on leaf development. Fortunately, cutting the flower does not impact the growth of the stems and leaves. Therefore, by removing the flower promptly, you can optimize the rhubarb plant’s energy efficiently.

Can you plant the seeds from a flowering rhubarb?

Yes, it is possible to plant the seeds from a flowering rhubarb. Although diverting energy into producing flowers and seed may compromise the harvest of edible stalks, it can result in a splendid show of flowers and provide a collection of rhubarb seeds for planting in the following year. By carefully collecting and planting these seeds, one can ensure a future crop of rhubarb and potentially enjoy an even greater display of blooming flowers.

Is it better to cut or pull rhubarb?

It is recommended to pull and twist rhubarb stalks rather than cutting them with a knife. Using a knife can potentially transfer diseases from plant to plant and leave the remaining stalk vulnerable to pests. By firmly gripping and gently twisting the stalk, you can successfully harvest rhubarb while minimizing the risk of introducing harmful elements to the plant.

Can you eat rhubarb when it is green?

Yes, you can definitely enjoy green rhubarb stems! While we may be more accustomed to the sight of vibrant red stems, green rhubarb can be equally delightful. In fact, there are numerous rhubarb varieties that don’t produce red stems but are just as mouthwatering. So, don’t hesitate to savor the unique flavor of green rhubarb and embrace its distinctiveness.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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